NEWSLETTER
While the National Baseball Hall of Fame has given Cooperstown a sporty reputation, there is far more to discover in this town beyond the outfield. Imagine award-winning craft beer, art galleries, music, and outdoor adventure all wrapped into a charming lakeside village. From Ommegang to Glimmerglass, here is your perfect weekend getaway in Cooperstown.
Originally published 10/31/2017
FRIDAY
2 pm: Visit the Fly Creek Cider Mill
Credit: @kvanlangen on Instagram
Kick off your trip at the Fly Creek Cider Mill where you can tour a real cider mill, sample locally-made ciders, wines, beers, and spirits, stock up on goodies at the marketplace, explore the Tractorland kiddie area, feed the resident ducks and geese, pack-your-own New York State apples, and more. The Snack Barn Restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick and easy bite to eat or a special treat like a cider slush, cider float, or apple cider donut sundae—perfect on a hot summer day!
4 pm: Check In and Have Dinner with a View
Check into the Otesaga Resort Hotel, a grand Federal-style retreat on the shores of Otsego Lake, where you’ll enjoy a seasonally fresh menu at The Hawkeye Bar & Grill. Top off your meal with a drink on the back deck overlooking Otsego Lake. This shining waterfront inspired the setting for Glimmerglass in The Leatherstocking Tales, James Fenimore Cooper’s series of five novels set in central New York, with The Pioneer particularly set in Cooperstown.
7:30 pm: Summer at the Opera
Catch a show at the Glimmerglass Festival, a series of internationally renowned theater productions on the shores of Otsego Lake. In the summer, the Alice Busch Opera Theater hosts several musical theater productions; the 2024 season features The Pirates of Penzance, La Calisto, Pagliacci, and more. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the best opera and musical theater in New York!
SATURDAY
9 am: Breakfast at the Diner
Credit: @germanynyc on Instagram
Head to the Cooperstown Diner for a classic all-American breakfast in their quaint Main Street diner. Whether you order a stack of pancakes, an omelet with bacon, or homemade biscuits and gravy, this breakfast is the perfect fuel to start your day.
10 am: Fenimore Art Museum
Whether or not you’re a “museum person” the exhibits in this town are sure to impress. Head to the Fenimore Art Museum, a historic estate-turned-museum which houses renowned collections of folk art and American landscape paintings including works from the Hudson River School. Their permanent North American Indian collection features some of the most impressive artifacts and original artwork.
12 pm: The Farmers' Museum
Like we said, this town is about more than sports. See for yourself by visiting The Farmers’ Museum. One of the oldest living history museums in the US, this former working farm features exhibits, tours, and hands-on activities that bring rural heritage and agriculture to life. Explore the 19th-century historic village, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, take a spin on the Empire State Carousel, witness craft demonstrations, and visit with the adorable farm animals.
2 pm: Bring the whole gang to Ommegang
credit: @breweryommegang via @cooperstowngetaway on Instagram
After your tour through history, recharge at Brewery Ommegang where a colorful food menu and award-winning craft beers await. Built in 1996, Brewery Ommegang takes its name from the first Brussels Ommegang Festival in 1549. Enjoy a guided tasting for just $20 and learn the brewery’s history, as you sip your way through classic brews to the latest creations. After, grab a bite in the café or enjoy the scenic views from the outdoor patio. New York State was once the nation’s biggest hops-producer, and Cooperstown is now a particular national hotspot for tasting brews along the 37-mile long Cooperstown Beverage Trail.
6 pm: Ride the rails, mini golf and more
All aboard! Open seasonally from May-October, you can experience the magic of the railroad like never before with Rail Explorers. Electric-assisted, pedal-powered rail bikes take you through a stunning 12-mile journey of farmlands and forests alongside the Susquehanna River.
More fun awaits you at Barnyard Swing, a mini-golf and family fun center open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend Putt the day away at their 18-hole outdoor mini golf course, mine for gems in the water sluice, or build-a-buddy and take home a new plush animal friend. Don’t forget to grab a cone of soft-serve at The Dairy Bar before you head out. It’s okay to have dessert first sometimes.
8 pm: Dinner at Mel’s
Grab dinner at Mel’s at 22 which offers a diverse menu of flavorful American cuisine in a stylish, intimate atmosphere. Start things off with some crab cakes or spinach and artichoke rangoons before moving on to the main course ranging from lobster risotto to a prime baseball steak.
SUNDAY
9 am: Pre-game Baseball with Breakfast
Check out Danny’s Main Street Market for an egg and cheese or fresh-baked croissant or another savory breakfast bite. Located in the heart of the village, it's a perfect stop on the way to your next destination.
10 am: Hall of Fame history
Baseball fan or not, if you’re in Cooperstown you have to go to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum—there’s no question about it. From Babe Ruth's glove used in the 1926 World Series to Derek Jeter’s batting helmet and gloves worn during his 3,000th hit, this place has everything. It’s the place to go for all things baseball, and a wonderful dive into American culture and history. And make sure to top off your sporty morning with a trip to Doubleday Field, where Babe Ruth himself once batted a record-breaking 500-foot homer over its right-field fence.
12 pm: Brunch at Origins Cafe
Photo Credit: @originscafe on Instagram
Feast in the center of a garden oasis in this greenhouse cafe with a carefully-curated menu starring organic foods from local farms and their own on-site gardens to create dishes that are as pretty as your surroundings. Open April-October, the menu at Origins Cafe changes weekly and with the seasons to ensure only the freshest ingredients are used.
2 pm: Glimmerglass State Park
Photo Credit: @mackdylmedia on Instagram
James Fenimore Cooper, the author of The Last of the Mohicans, based many of his creations on New York’s landscape, including right here at Otsego Lake which inspired the setting for “Lake Glimmerglass” in The Deerslayer. Indulge in the beauty of Glimmerglass State Park where the lake shores, sandy beaches, and hiking trails will take you to a bygone era. The park is home to Hyde Hall, a neoclassic National Historical Landmark and rumored-to-be haunted mansion that offers tours daily and the oldest existing covered bridge in the U.S. Catch more scenic lake views on a Glimmerglass Queen boat tour.
GETTING THERE
By Car:
From NYC: 3 hours 45 minutes
From Albany: 1 hour, 30 minutes
From Buffalo: 3 hours, 50 minutes
From Boston: 4 hours
From Philadelphia: 4 hours
By Bus: Trailways and Otsego Express.
By Train: Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer (1.5-hour bus ride to Cooperstown via Trailways) or Utica (1-hour bus ride to Cooperstown via Trailways).
Nearest Airport: Albany International Airport: 1 hour and 20 minutes
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